Zakynthos Ionian Islands, Greece Travel Guide
From coastal walks to thrilling water sports, Zakynthos provides numerous alfresco activity options.
Beautiful walks around Keri peninsula, Vassilikos Peninsula, and the northern region of mountains. Portions of the E4 European Path pass through the island. Wear Hiking shoes.
Sea kayaking tours explore the coastline and hidden coves. Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) rentals are available at many beaches. Going for a horse ride through olive groves offers a different view.
Road cycling on flatter roads along the east coast. Mountain biking on more challenging routes in the hilly interior. You can rent bikes common in main holiday resorts. Consider Trail running shoes for rugged paths.
Always choose tour operators who adhere to rigorous marine park guidelines and ethical wildlife viewing practices to minimize disturbance to the protected loggerhead marine turtles.
Zakynthos offers opportunities to experience local... deeply traditions and heritage.
Occur throughout summer, often around religious holidays. Include processions, traditional music, dancing, and traditional food stalls.
Support local communities by staying in small, family-run accommodations. These present a more genuine insight into local life.
Look for local music concerts, art exhibitions, or food fairs, especially in Zakynthos Town.
Purchase handmade pottery, ceramics, embroidered linens, and olive carved wood directly from regional workshops.
Participate in local customs and traditions. A simple "Kalimera" (hello) or "Efharisto" (thank you) is always appreciated.
Venture beyond tourist hubs to experience authentic village life and find traditional tavernas.
Zakynthos offers many opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Beaches like Banana Beach and some hotel pools feature beach clubs. They offer comfortable loungers, umbrellas, music, and food/drink service.
These clubs provide a relaxed environment for sunbathing and enjoying the coastal ambiance, often with refreshing drinks and light meals.
Look for clubs which have changing facilities, restrooms, and access to water sports for a full day of relaxation and fun.
Many tavernas host live Greek music. Some bars in resort towns feature live musical acts playing international or Greek pop music, or resident DJs.
Laganas is the main area for nightclubs, attracting a younger crowd seeking late-night entertainment. Clubs often stay open until the early hours.
Laganas is the main bar district. Tsilivi, Argassi, and Zakynthos Town also offer a selection of bars, from lively cocktail areas to quieter pubs.
Shopping on Zakynthos has opportunities to find local products, artisan crafts, and souvenirs.
Food Products: Local olive oil, Zakynthian honey, local wines (Verdea), traditional sweets like mandelato (nougat) and pasteli (sesame bars).
Hand-painted ceramics, olive wood products, embroidered textiles, natural sea sponges, items made of leather.
Limited options, found mainly in Zakynthos Town. Jewelry, fashion boutiques, and specialty stores for higher-end purchases.
